Garment with Reconfigurable Exterior Panels

ABSTRACT

A garment with reconfigurable panels uses multiple mounting panels to form a user-customizable piece of clothing. The mounting panels form attachment points that enable the user to attach various aesthetic or functional patches to the garment. This enables the user to modify their clothing to accommodate various activities. The mounting panels are distributed across the garment so that the user has multiple options for placing the reconfigurable panels. The reconfigurable panels feature various aesthetic and functional surfaces. Additionally, the reconfigurable panels can be removed or replaced as the user performs various activities.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/458,121 filed on Feb. 13, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for customizing garments.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a system that integrates reconfigurable panels into a garment to enable a user to create a customized look.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional garments come with a preset design that limits a user's freedom. These garments require the user to structure their lifestyles around the aesthetic and functional constraints put forth by the garment's manufacturer. This forces the user to purchase multiple garments, depending on the activities the user desires to participate.

Thus, wasting time and money. Similarly, if the user desires to purchase a camouflage-patterned garment the user is yet again constrained by the patterns put forth by the garment manufacturer.

The present invention improves upon available camouflage garments by providing an apparatus and system for a customizable clothing line. The invention is a clothing line for hunters that a person can customize. The clothing line includes caps, pants, overalls, shirts, and jackets. Each of the garments can be customizable and adapted to specific game and hunting environments. To accomplish this, the present invention makes use of detachable panels that can be removed or replaced as desired. A hunter would be able to select detachable panels that are appropriate for particular hunting seasons. Alternatively, the hunter will be able to construct customized ghillie suits that blend into the surroundings by using the present invention. The present invention enables the hunter to customize various sections of the garment as required. The detachable panels used in the present invention can be ironed on or affixed to existing garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a shirt used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels removed.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the shirt used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels removed.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a shirt used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels attached.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the shirt used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels attached.

FIG. 5 is a clock diagram showing the arrangement of components used to attach a single reconfigurable panel to a single mounting panel in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a pair of pants used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels removed.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the pair of pants used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels removed.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a pair of pants used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels attached.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pair of pants used in the present invention with the plurality of reconfigurable panels attached.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the garment with reconfigurable exterior panels, is a system for creating customizable multipurpose garments. The present invention achieves this by integrating multiple reconfigurable panels into a garment. A user of the present invention is able to attach or remove the reconfigurable panels as desired. Consequently, the user is able to change the aesthetic design and functional characteristics of the garment. For example, the user may attach panels of camouflage material to the garment when hunting. The user may then replace the panels of camouflage material with the logo of a sports team when attending a sporting event. The present invention is designed to be incorporated into garments that include, but are not limited to, hats, shoes, pants, shirts, and jackets.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, to achieve the above-described functionality, the present invention comprises a garment 1, a plurality of mounting panels 4, and a plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. The garment 1 can be any piece of clothing. The plurality of mounting panels 4 is a collection of fastening mechanisms that is used to form a connection between the garment 1 and the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. As such, the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 is composed of flexible panels that can be mounted onto, or disconnected from, the garment 1 to add aesthetic designs or functional characteristics. In the present invention, the plurality of mounting panels 4 is integrated into an outer surface of the garment 1. Additionally, the plurality of mounting panels 4 is distributed across the outer surface of the garment 1. As a result, the garment 1 is designed to enable the user to choose multiple points of attachment for the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. This freedom enables the user to create a desired aesthetic or functional design. Relatedly, each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 is attached to a corresponding mounting panel 5 from the plurality of mounting panels 4. Consequently, the user is able to attach each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 to any of the plurality of mounting panels 4. Furthermore, the user can remove or replace the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 by detaching each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 from the corresponding mounting panel 5.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 is designed as a multilayered panel that uses each layer to achieve a desired functionality. Specifically, each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 comprises a panel body 8, a base connective layer 9, and a functional layer 10. The panel body 8 is an intermediary layer of each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 and serves as the structural foundation for each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. Additionally, the panel body 8 can be made from various functionally appealing materials such as bulletproof plates, Kevlar, and waterproof membranes. The base connector is a fastening mechanism used to attach the panel body 8 to an exterior device. Specifically, the base connective layer 9 is superimposed onto a first face the panel body 8. Additionally, the base connective layer 9 is attached across the corresponding mounting panel 5. Accordingly, the base connective layer 9 is able to fasten each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 onto the corresponding mounting panel 5. The functional layer 10 is used to integrate a desired aesthetic design or functional enhancement into each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. For example, the functional layer 10 can be a display device that shows incoming text messages or emails. Alternatively, the functional layer 10 may be a panel of padded material designed to be placed over the knees. To achieve this, the functional layer 10 is superimposed onto a second face of the panel body 8, opposite to the base connective layer 9. As a result, the functional layer 10 forms an outward-facing surface of each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 that provides a desired functional or aesthetic benefit.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses hook-and-loop fasteners to form detachable connections between each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 and the corresponding mounting panel 5. To accomplish this, each of the plurality of mounting panels 4 comprises a first plurality of hooks 6. Additionally, each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 further comprises a first plurality of loops 14. The first plurality of hooks 6 acts as the hooks for a hook-and-loop fastener. Likewise, the first plurality of loops 14 acts as the loops for the hook-and-loop fastener. The first plurality of hooks 6 is connected adjacent to the corresponding mounting panel 5, opposite to the outer surface of the garment 1. Additionally, the first plurality of hooks 6 is distributed across the corresponding mounting panel 5. Thus positioned, the first plurality of hooks 6 act as the fastening mechanism that enables external components to be attached to the corresponding mounting panel 5. Similarly, the first plurality of loops 14 is connected adjacent to the first face of the panel body 8. Likewise, the first plurality of loops 14 is distributed across the first face of the panel body 8. As a result, the first plurality of loops 14 acts as the fastening mechanism that enables each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 to be attached to an external device. Specifically, each of the first plurality of hooks 6 engages a first corresponding loop 15 from the first plurality of loops 14. Accordingly, the first plurality of hooks 6 and the first plurality of loops 14 establish a detachable connection between each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 and the corresponding panel.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, a first alternative embodiment of the present invention is designed with a removable functional layer 10 that is attached to the panel body 8 using hook-and-loop fasteners. To accomplish this, each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 further comprises a second plurality of hooks 16 and a second plurality of loops 17. The second plurality of hooks 16 acts as the hooks for a hook-and-loop fastener. Likewise, the second plurality of loops 17 acts as the loops for the hook-and-loop fastener. The second plurality of hooks 16 is connected adjacent to the second face of the panel body 8, opposite to the base connective layer 9. Additionally, the second plurality of hooks 16 is distributed across the second face of the panel body 8. Thus positioned, the second plurality of hooks 16 acts as the fastening mechanism that enables the functional layer 10 to be attached to the panel body 8 Similarly, the second plurality of loops 17 is co connected adjacent to a first face of the functional layer 10. Likewise, the second plurality of loops 17 is distributed across the first face of the functional layer 10. As a result, the second plurality of loops 17 acts as the fastening mechanism that enables the functional layer 10 to be attached to the panel body 8. Specifically, each of the second plurality of hooks 16 engages a second corresponding loop 18 from the second plurality of loops 17. Accordingly, the second plurality of hooks 16 and the second plurality of loops 17 establish a detachable connection between the functional layer 10 and the panel body 8.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, expounding on the first alternative embodiment of the present invention, the removable functional layer 10 is constructed as a multilayer panel. Specifically, functional layer 10 comprises a base fastener layer 11, an intermediary layer 12, and an upper design layer 13. The base fastener layer 11 contains fasteners that enable the functional layer 10 to be detachably connected to the panel body 8. The intermediary layer 12 is a flexible panel that serves as the structural foundation for the functional layer 10. The upper design layer 13 is a specialized panel that imbues the functional layer 10 with aesthetic and functional characteristics. To enable the detachable functionality, the base fastener layer 11 is superimposed onto a first face of the intermediary layer 12. Additionally, the base fastener layer 11 is attached onto the second face of the panel body 8. Accordingly, the functional layer 10 can be attached or detached from the panel body 8 as the user desires. The second plurality of loops 17 may be integrated into the base fastener layer 11. The upper design layer 13 is superimposed onto a second face of the intermediary layer 12, opposite to the base fastener layer 11. Accordingly, the upper design layer 13 can be seen when looking at the garment 1 and the attached plurality of reconfigurable panels 7. In a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, the functional layer 10 is a strip of reflective material used to enhance visibility of the user. In a third alternative embodiment of the present invention, the functional layer 10 is a strip of camouflage material used to suppress visibility of the user.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the garment 1 is a shirt 1. In this embodiment, the plurality of mounting panels 4 comprises a central-torso panel 19, a left-torso panel 20, a right-torso panel 21, a rear-torso panel 22, a left-shoulder panel, and a right-shoulder panel. The positioning of the plurality of mounting panels 4 is designed to grant the user the ability to modify the aesthetic design and functional characteristics of the shirt 1. Specifically, the central-torso panel 19 is connected to a sternum portion and an abdominal portion of the shirt 1 so that the user is able to attach at least one of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 over the chest. Similarly, the left-torso panel 20 is connected onto a left-side portion of the shirt 1 so that the user is able to attach at least one of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 over the left side of the torso. Likewise, the right-torso panel 21 is connected onto a left-side portion of the shirt 1 so that the user is able to attach at least one of the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 over the right side of the torso. Additionally, the central-torso panel 19 is positioned in between the left-torso panel 20 and the right-torso panel 21. Furthermore, the rear-torso panel 22 is connected onto a back portion of the shirt 1. Moreover, the rear-torso panel 22 is positioned in between the left-torso panel 20 and the right-torso panel 21. Consequently, the user is able position the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 as desired. In addition to attaching reconfigurable panels to the front, back, and sides of the shirt 1, the present invention is designed with the left-shoulder panel 27 connected onto a left-shoulder portion of the shirt 1. Conversely, the right-shoulder panel 28 is connected to a right-shoulder portion of the shirt 1. Accordingly, the user is able to attach the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 to the left and right shoulders of the shirt 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, in a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention, the garment 1 is a pair of pants 1. In this embodiment, the pair of pants 1 comprises a left leg 2 and a right leg 3. Additionally, the plurality of mounting panels 4 comprises a left-front panel 23, a right-front panel 24, a left-rear panel 25, and a right-rear panel 26. The left-front panel 23 is connected onto a front side of the left leg 2. Likewise, the right-front panel 24 is connected onto a front side of the right leg. Accordingly, the user is able to attach the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 to the front side of the pair of pants 1. Conversely, the left-rear panel 25 is connected onto a rear side of the left leg 2 Likewise, the right-rear panel 26 is connected onto a rear side of the right leg 3. Accordingly, the user is able to attach the plurality of reconfigurable panels 7 to the rear side of the pair of pants 1.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment with reconfigurable exterior panels comprises: a garment; a plurality of mounting panels; a plurality of reconfigurable panels; the plurality of mounting panels being integrated into an outer surface of the garment; the plurality of mounting panels being distributed across the outer surface of the garment; and each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels being attached to a corresponding mounting panel from the plurality of mounting panels.
 2. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels comprises a panel body, a base connective layer, and a functional layer; the base connective layer being superimposed onto a first face the panel body; the base connective layer being attached across the corresponding mounting panel; and the functional layer being superimposed onto a second face of the panel body, opposite to the base connective layer.
 3. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 2 comprises: each of the plurality of mounting panels comprises a first plurality of hooks; each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels further comprises a first plurality of loops; the first plurality of hooks being connected adjacent to the corresponding mounting panel, opposite to the outer surface of the garment; the first plurality of hooks being distributed across the corresponding mounting panel; the first plurality of loops being connected adjacent to the first face of the panel body; the first plurality of loops being distributed across the first face of the panel body; and each of the first plurality of hooks engaging a first corresponding loop from the first plurality of loops.
 4. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 2 comprises: each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels further comprises a second plurality of hooks and a second plurality of loops; the second plurality of hooks being connected adjacent to the second face of the panel body, opposite to the base connective layer; the second plurality of hooks being distributed across the second face of the panel body; the second plurality of loops being connected adjacent to a first face of the functional layer; the second plurality of loops being distributed across the first face of the functional layer; and each of the second plurality of hooks engaging a second corresponding loop from the second plurality of loops.
 5. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the functional layer comprises a base fastener layer, an intermediary layer, and an upper design layer; the base fastener layer being superimposed onto a first face of the intermediary layer; the base fastener layer being attached onto the second face of the panel body; and the upper design layer being superimposed onto a second face of the intermediary layer, opposite to the base fastener layer.
 6. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 2, wherein the functional layer is a strip of reflective material.
 7. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 2, wherein the functional layer is a strip of camouflage material.
 8. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the garment being a shirt; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a central-torso panel, a left-torso panel, and a right-torso panel; the central-torso panel being connected to a sternum portion and an abdominal portion of the shirt; the left-torso panel being connected onto a left-side portion of the shirt; the right-torso panel being connected to a right-side portion of the shirt; and the central-torso panel being positioned in between the left-torso panel and the right-torso panel.
 9. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the plurality of mounting panels further comprises a rear-torso panel; the rear-torso panel being connected onto a back portion of the shirt; and the rear-torso panel being positioned in between the left-torso panel and the right-torso panel.
 10. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the garment being a shirt; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-shoulder panel and a right-shoulder panel; the left-shoulder panel being connected onto a left-shoulder portion of the shirt; and the right-shoulder panel being connected to a right-shoulder portion of the shirt.
 11. The spout for dispensing fluids from containers with outlets of varying diameter as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the garment being a pair of pants; the pair of pants comprises a left leg and a right leg; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-front panel and a right-front panel; the left-front panel being connected onto a front side of the left leg; and the right-front panel being connected onto a front side of the right leg.
 12. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the garment being a pair of pants; the pair of pants comprises a left leg and a right leg; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-rear panel and a right-rear panel; the left-front panel being connected onto a rear side of the left leg; and the right-front panel being connected onto a rear side of the right leg.
 13. A garment with reconfigurable exterior panels comprises: a garment; a plurality of mounting panels; a plurality of reconfigurable panels; each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels comprises a panel body, a base connective layer, a functional layer, a first plurality of loops, a second plurality of hooks and a second plurality of loops; each of the plurality of mounting panels comprises a first plurality of hooks; the functional layer comprises a base fastener layer, an intermediary layer, and an upper design layer; the plurality of mounting panels being integrated into an outer surface of the garment; the plurality of mounting panels being distributed across the outer surface of the garment; each of the plurality of reconfigurable panels being attached to a corresponding mounting panel from the plurality of mounting panels; the base connective layer being superimposed onto a first face the panel body; the base connective layer being attached across the corresponding mounting panel; the functional layer being superimposed onto a second face of the panel body, opposite to the base connective layer; the first plurality of hooks being connected adjacent to the corresponding mounting panel, opposite to the outer surface of the garment; the first plurality of hooks being distributed across the corresponding mounting panel; the first plurality of loops being connected adjacent to the first face of the panel body; the first plurality of loops being distributed across the first face of the panel body; each of the first plurality of hooks engaging a first corresponding loop from the first plurality of loops; the second plurality of hooks being connected adjacent to the second face of the panel body, opposite to the base connective layer; the second plurality of hooks being distributed across the second face of the panel body; the second plurality of loops being connected adjacent to a first face of the functional layer; the second plurality of loops being distributed across the first face of the functional layer; each of the second plurality of hooks engaging a second corresponding loop from the second plurality of loops; the base fastener layer being superimposed onto a first face of the intermediary layer; the base fastener layer being attached onto the second face of the panel body; and the upper design layer being superimposed onto a second face of the intermediary layer, opposite to the base fastener layer.
 14. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13, wherein the functional layer is a strip of reflective material.
 15. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13, wherein the functional layer is a strip of camouflage material.
 16. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the garment being a shirt; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a central-torso panel, a left-torso panel, and a right-torso panel; the central-torso panel being connected to a sternum portion and an abdominal portion of the shirt; the left-torso panel being connected onto a left-side portion of the shirt; the right-torso panel being connected to a right-side portion of the shirt; and the central-torso panel being positioned in between the left-torso panel and the right-torso panel.
 17. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the plurality of mounting panels further comprises a rear-torso panel; the rear-torso panel being connected onto a back portion of the shirt; and the rear-torso panel being positioned in between the left-torso panel and the right-torso panel.
 18. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the garment being a shirt; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-shoulder panel and a right-shoulder panel; the left-shoulder panel being connected onto a left-shoulder portion of the shirt; and the right-shoulder panel being connected to a right-shoulder portion of the shirt.
 19. The spout for dispensing fluids from containers with outlets of varying diameter as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the garment being a pair of pants; the pair of pants comprises a left leg and a right leg; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-front panel and a right-front panel; the left-front panel being connected onto a front side of the left leg; and the right-front panel being connected onto a front side of the right leg.
 20. The garment with reconfigurable exterior panels as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the garment being a pair of pants; the pair of pants comprises a left leg and a right leg; the plurality of mounting panels comprises a left-rear panel and a right-rear panel; the left-front panel being connected onto a rear side of the left leg; and the right-front panel being connected onto a rear side of the right leg. 